Introduction
Nothing’s worse than seeing mole hills on your perfectly manicured lawn. Moles are not only annoying, but they can also cause damage to your garden and landscape. However, it’s important to take a humane approach when trying to get rid of these underground rodents. In this article, we’ll explore some natural, eco-friendly ways to control mole infestations.
Natural Remedies
Many people prefer natural remedies to get rid of moles since they are cost-effective, safe, and eco-friendly. Some natural solutions include using castor oil, garlic, and planting daffodils and marigolds around your lawn. Planting these flowers not only adds a lovely touch to your yard, but it also repels rodents like moles. Castor oil can be applied to mole tunnels and it works to irritate the moles, which will cause them to leave the area. Garlic can be used in a similar way.
Benefits of using natural remedies for mole control include their safety, easy accessibility, and affordability. These natural remedies don’t negatively impact the environment, and most of them use ingredients that can be found in your home or backyard. One drawback of using natural remedies is their effectiveness, which can vary because they are not as potent as other options.
Physical Barriers
This method of mole control is defined by installing a physical barrier in your yard, such as burying a mesh fence around your property’s perimeter. This is a practical solution because it not only prevents moles from entering your yard, but also keeps other small rodents out. You can also consider using a double fence. You will need to dig down and also bury the fence a few inches below the surface, as moles burrow several inches below ground. This method of mole control is also considered eco-friendly.
Some benefits of using physical barriers include their reliability and long-lasting properties that will keep moles out for years. However, physical barriers can also be costly, unsightly, and require a lot of effort to install. If you have a large garden or lawn, this option might not be ideal.
Trapping
Trapping is another method to control mole infestations. Some popular types of traps for moles include decoy traps, scissor traps, and harpoon traps. Pay attention to the instructions on how to set the trap so you don’t endanger the animals you don’t wish to. Trapping is a humane way to catch and release moles elsewhere, but it is not guaranteed to get rid of all mole problems, as they’re known for being evasive.
The benefits of using traps are obvious—it is eco-friendly and captures specific animals. The catch-and-release aspect of trapping is deemed ethical and enriching to communities. However, the drawbacks of trapping are that it takes time and you need to check the traps often. You also have to be aware of trapping and releasing regulations that vary from state to state and region to region, as invasive species must be managed with help from professionals.
Vibrating Devices
If you want a non-invasive way to deal with moles, you can try using a vibrating device that emits high-pitched sounds and irritates moles. You have to put the device directly into the ground to be effective. When implemented, the mole’s sensitive hearing is affected, which causes them to move away from the vibration. Over time, they will avoid the area.
The benefits of using vibrating devices include their eco-friendliness and low-impact on your garden, lawn, and household. They can be particularly effective in preventing mole infestations, and they’re generally easy to operate. On the other hand, vibrating devices may be ineffective if moles can find an area without vibrating sound and the effectiveness of each device varies, as well.
Chemicals
Using chemicals like insecticide in sharp contrast to natural methods. But chemical treatments can be one of the fastest methods of mole control. Insecticide baits or poison grains are two popular options. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and follow safety protocols while using and storing the chemicals. The weather conditions must also be considered, like avoiding using chemicals when there is a chance for rain, wind, or other environmental factors that can impact the success of the chemical usage.
The benefits of using chemicals for mole control include its immediate effect and the ability to cover a large range of areas. It’s easier to apply and the effect of the chemicals is stronger than the natural remedies. However, the drawbacks of using chemicals include the potential harm they can do to the environment and other animals. They may also harm your garden, lawn, and other plants in the area. Using chemicals as a solution is expensive and takes a lot of preparation and safety precautions.
Professional Help
If you have tried all previous methods and your mole problem still persists, it is time to consider hiring a professional mole exterminator. Professionals have access to the proper equipment and chemicals needed to eliminate the problem. They can also help ensure that the mole problem does not return in the future. Some benefits of hiring a professional exterminator include their expertise and knowledge, the guarantee of mole elimination, and the exclusion of pests other than moles.
The potential drawbacks of hiring a professional exterminator include the price and the risk of chemicals negatively impacting the environment. Read and ask for feedbacks and recommendations before hiring a professional exterminator to take care of the job.
Conclusion
There are various ways to get rid of moles in your yard. When deciding which method to use, it’s important to consider the effectiveness, cost, and environmental impact of each method. Some popular options include using natural remedies, installing physical barriers, trapping, and using vibrating devices. Chemicals can also be used but must be applied carefully with safety in mind. If none of these options work, consider hiring a professional mole exterminator.
Whatever method you choose, be sure to approach the problem humanely and eco-friendly. Do your research and consult with local experts to find the method that works best for your mole problem. Finally, the best way to prevent future mole infestations is to keep your lawn in good condition and free of insects that might attract them.
